Ivan wrote his name and his girlfriend’s name on the wall of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. He was caught and now authorities can formally charge him.
Italian police have confirmed that the man who filmed the vandalism of the Coliseum in Rome, Italy, has been identified as Ivan by writing “Ivan+Hayley 23” on the wall with a key. The news was brought forward by Italy’s culture minister, but before that, the British press published an article with his identity – which was not revealed by the Italian authorities.
According to the newspaper Daily mail, Ivan is 27 years old and answers to Ivan Dimitrov and Ivan Hawkins. And Personal trainer, and lives and works in Bristol. His girlfriend is expected to be 33-year-old Hayley Bracey.
The couple was caught on video posted on social media. If convicted, Ivan faces a fine of around 15,000 euros or up to five years in prison for his vandalism.
“Thanks to the Carabinieri for quickly identifying the person responsible for the allegedly ridiculous gesture made in the Coliseum as uncivilized,” Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano wrote on Twitter today. “An act that offends all those around the world who value archaeology, monuments and history.”
Italian police said the investigation was still in its early stages and the teenager was identified through traditional interrogation and photo comparisons. According to the Daily Mail, the young man was born in Rome and is of Bulgarian descent. He is supposed to be in Bulgaria with relatives, and the couple is traveling in Europe. A British newspaper even visited Ivan’s house under construction.
In the video, Ivan can be seen laughing as the video’s author scolds him in English. “Really, man? Idiot”, you might hear in the pictures.
The Colosseum in Rome was built over 2,000 years ago and was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire. There, executions, gladiator fights and animal fights took place.
The monument has already been the target of several acts of vandalism, and dozens of visitors have been caught leaving inscriptions on the walls or stealing pieces of it.
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“Ivan” wrote on the wall of the Colosseum in Rome. Italy is looking for you
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